The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) says fifteen Palestinian minors have lost their lives during skirmishes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli military forces in the occupied West Bank and besieged Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current year.
The official statistical institution of Palestine said in a statement on Sunday that three of the victims were in the age group of 13-15 years, while the rest were in the age bracket 16-17 years.
The statement added that Israel is holding some 300 minors in prisons and detention facilities across the occupied territories.
The PCBS further noted that it has documented around 4,000 cases of child arrests since October 2015, and that most of the detainees have been released.
The Ramallah-based organization added that Israeli authorities demolished 418 homes and 646 sheds last year, leaving around 848 children homeless.
The PCBS made the announcement on the eve of United Nations Universal Children's Day on November 20.
Earlier this year, Defense for Children International (DCI), a Geneva-based NGO focusing on children's rights, reported that 2016 saw the highest number of Palestinian children killed by Israeli troops over the past decade, warning that Tel Aviv is not being held accountable for its lethal attacks.